We’ve all heard the tired cliché, red wine with meat and white wine with fish. I’m just curious as to who made these rules? In all my travels, I have yet to find where it is etched in stone that these rules are steadfast. I seriously doubt the wine gods consented to such mindless twaddle….
Grape of the Night explored a varietal that originated in Spain. In fact, it is known as the native or noble grape of Spain. That grape is Tempranillo. This varietal originated in Spain and was believed to be related to Pinot Noir, however, ampelographic studies have shown this not to be the case. This wine…
The problem as I see it is that we all dream of this: The lush vines sagging under the weight of their fruit, the intimate backyard tastings, the rocky earth, the turquoise sky above a mountain, wind chimes barely making their music, the coolness of the winery, the large-bowled stemware filled to just under 1/3,…
Does anyone remember this? Years ago, long before I had started writing about wine but had definitely developed a passion for it, I recall reading something disturbing in a leading wine magazine. The author of the article wrote something to the effect that Zinfandel would never be capable of producing a wine that would elicit…
I love the north of Spain and have been visiting the city of Bilbao and the surrounding beaches of San Sebastian for some twenty years. My frequent haunts include Concha Bay, and the golden sands beaches of Zarautz and Fuenterrabia. Today I am joined by long-time friend and fellow sommelier, Naiara Dolagaray. We are enjoying…
My earliest recollection of Sherry was as a boy reading Edgar Allen Poe’s, “The Cask of Amontillado.” I immediately leaped to my feet and ran into my parents’ bedroom to ask what in fact was Sherry? After my mother’sbrief explanation, I accompanied her to the living room where from behind the bar, she produced a…
I love the city of Burgos. This is the historic capital of Castile and the home of the legendary, El Cid Campeador Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, a Castilian nobleman and military leader was instrumental in the recapturing of Spanish lands from their Muslim conquerors. On a personal note, I would like to add that Burgos…
The 8th Annual LAWineFest will prove to be the biggest in its history, showcasing hundreds of award-winning wines from 13 countries, craft brews and artisan cocktails; plus interactive cooking demos with premier LA chefs, entertaining tasting seminars, Twitter-ific food trucks, live music and fab boutiques add to the exciting experience. LAWineFest Seminars Saturday, June 8…
For a long time I have been asked by the GOTN group to do a road trip for one of our monthly adventures. Recently, Gary Stewart (owner/vintner) of Four Brix Winery, offered us an opportunity to come to their tasting room and sample as well as educate us on the art of winemaking. Gary and…
Four Brix Winery has just released its first sparkling wine, just in time to kick off the holidays. Affectionately named, Baubles, this bubbly is comprised of 60% chardonnay, 40% pinot noir. Made in the methode champenoise style, Baubles has the petite bubbles that indicate a fine sparkling wine. As with all the labels of Four…